Health Tip: Taking a Daily Aspirin

OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow Questions about medications? Get expert answers.

(HealthDay News) -- A daily low-dose aspirin can help reduce the risk of heart attack in people with higher-risk conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

While aspirin is generally safe, there are some people who shouldn't take it, since the drug can irritate the stomach lining.

The American Diabetes Association says the following people should talk to their doctor before beginning daily aspirin therapy:

• People younger than age 21.
• People who bleed often or easily.
• People who are allergic to aspirin.
• People who have had recent bleeding in the digestive tract.
• People with current liver disease.

-- Diana Kohnle

Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.